Composite boom assembly

ABSTRACT

An aerial boom assembly comprising a first member having a fixed length and comprising first and second ends, the second end being pivotally coupled to a mobile base. The aerial boom assembly comprises a second member pivotally coupled to the first member at the first end, the second member comprising an extension member slidably coupled to the second member along an inner channel of the second member. The first and second members are made from a composite material.

BACKGROUND

The present invention relates to devices for firefighting and rescueoperations. In particular, the present invention relates to a compositeaerial boom assembly for use with firefighting and/or rescue vehicles.

Many different types of vehicles utilize aerial boom systems forfirefighting and/or rescue operations. In general, aerial boom systemsare configured to extend from a vehicle or other structure and elevateto a predetermined height. Some aerial boom systems are also configuredto tilt and adjust along various axes. Typically, aerial booms includehollow piercing nozzles on the outer ends which are configured to passthrough a wall or other structure (e.g., aircraft fuselage) to theinterior of the structure where fire-retardant material or other liquidmay be released. Because of the demanding conditions involved with firesand other rescue operations, steel is a common material for constructingaerial boom systems. Steel is very strong and durable and is able tomaintain its strength during firefighting and rescue operations.

Although steel has high strength characteristics, it has a relativelylow weight to strength ratio. This can prove problematic because of theneed to decrease the weight of firefighting vehicles and devices. Lessvehicle weight allows for better performance of the vehicles (e.g., costsavings and space for lighter equipment). Lighter vehicles accelerateand decelerate faster, require less energy for acceleration, and wearless during deceleration. Weight savings at the top of the vehicle mayalso have an impact on the center of gravity of the vehicle. Weightreduction at the top of the vehicle can lower the entire center ofgravity for the vehicle, resulting in a more stable vehicle along itsroll axis. Further, heavy steel can require various engineeringmodifications such as reinforced areas (e.g., additional steel) for anextensible boom needed to reach remote areas. Such modifications canlead to large amounts of steel, which ultimately increase the weight ofthe vehicle and/or devices.

Some aerial boom systems have attempted to solve these problems by usingaluminum to produce the aerial boom. However, in some situations it canbe disadvantageous to use aluminum because aluminum is commonly extrudedand easily deformable once welded. This can produce a need for moretolerance and/or expensive machining processes to bring a system backinto tolerance once it has deformed. In addition, aluminum does notalways maintain its strength and durability and can degrade underdemanding operational conditions. For example, aluminum can begin tofatigue and lose strength after being subjected to a 300 degreeFahrenheit temperature for over six hours.

In view of these problems, it would be desirable to provide an aerialboom assembly made from a lightweight, durable composite material.Additionally, it would be desirable to provide an aerial boom assemblythat is easily configurable according to the particular needs associatedwith a given application. It would further be desirable to provide anaerial boom assembly that is able to maintain its strength anddurability at high temperatures.

It would be advantageous to provide a system or the like of a typedisclosed in the present application that provides any one or more ofthese or other advantageous features. The present invention furtherrelates to various features and combinations of features shown anddescribed in the disclosed embodiments. Other ways in which the objectsand features of the disclosed embodiments are accomplished will bedescribed in the following specification or will become apparent tothose skilled in the art after they have read this specification. Suchother ways are deemed to fall within the scope of the disclosedembodiments if they fall within the scope of the claims which follow.

SUMMARY

The present invention relates to an aerial boom assembly comprising afirst member having a fixed length and comprising first and second ends,the second end being pivotally coupled to a mobile base. The aerial boomassembly comprises a second member pivotally coupled to the first memberat the first end, the second member comprising an extension memberslidably coupled to the second member along an inner channel of thesecond member. The first and second members are made from a compositematerial.

The present invention relates to a vehicle for firefighting and rescueoperations comprising a support structure having a support surface, aplurality of wheels coupled to the support structure, wherein the wheelsmaintain the support structure above a surface, a power source forpowering the vehicle, and an aerial boom assembly coupled to the supportsurface, the aerial boom assembly being made from a composite material.

The present invention relates to a method for producing an aerial boomassembly comprising providing a first member having a fixed length andcomprising first and second ends, the second end being pivotally coupledto a vehicle, providing a second member pivotally coupled to the firstmember at the first end, wherein the second member comprises anextension member coupled to the second member by way of a telescopicarrangement, and producing the first and second members from a compositematerial.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of an aerial boom assembly coupled toa vehicle according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 2 is front perspective view of an aerial boom assembly in at leastpartially extended configuration according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 3 is an exploded front perspective view of the aerial boom assemblyaccording to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 4 is side view of the aerial boom assembly in an at least partiallyretracted configuration according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a front perspective view of the aerial boom assembly in an atleast partially retracted configuration according to an exemplaryembodiment.

FIG. 6 is a rear perspective view of the aerial boom assembly in an atleast partially extended configuration according to an exemplaryembodiment.

FIG. 7 is a rear perspective view of an aerial boom assembly in an atleast partially extended configuration according to an exemplaryembodiment.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of an aerialboom assembly, including a piercing nozzle assembly coupled to a drivetrain assembly and a turret nozzle.

FIG. 9 is a side plan view of the aerial boom assembly illustrated inFIG. 8, illustrating one position of opposing actuators coupled to adrive wheel of the drive train assembly.

FIG. 10 is a partial perspective view of the aerial boom attachmentillustrated in FIG. 9.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of an aerialboom attachment without a turret nozzle.

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a piercing tool according to anexemplary embodiment.

FIG. 13 is a side view of the piercing tool illustrated in FIG. 12according to an exemplary embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Before explaining a number of exemplary embodiments of the invention indetail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to thedetails or methodology set forth in the following description orillustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of otherembodiments or being practiced or carried out in various ways. It isalso to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employedherein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded aslimiting.

In general the aerial boom assembly described in this disclosurecomprises a plurality of members, one of which is pivotally coupled to amobile base (e.g., vehicle). The aerial boom assembly is configured foruse with different vehicles including vehicle 100 shown in FIG. 1.Referring to FIG. 1, a front perspective view of vehicle 100 is shownaccording to an exemplary embodiment. Vehicle 100 may be of severaldifferent types and configured for several different uses. For example,vehicle 100 may be a fire-fighting vehicle or rescue vehicle configuredto fight structural building fires and the like. Vehicle 100 may also bean airport rescue and fire-fighting vehicle (ARFF) or crash truckconfigured to fight aircraft fires, fuel fires, and the like. Anexemplary application of an ARFF or crash truck is for it to be calledupon in the event of an aircraft fire or crash at or near an airport.

Vehicle 100 includes a support structure 110, a plurality of groundengaging motive members 120, a power source, a vehicle body 140, anaerial boom assembly 150, and an aerial boom attachment 160 having apiercing nozzle assembly 170 (e.g., piercing tool). Support structure110 has a front end 112 and a rear end 114. Support structure 110 isgenerally configured to provide a structural support base for thevarious components of vehicle 100.

Ground-engaging motive members 120 are coupled to support structure 110.For purposes of this disclosure, the term “coupled” means the joining oftwo members directly or indirectly to one another. Such joining may bestationary in nature or movable in nature. Such joining may be achievedwith the two members or the two members and any additional intermediatemembers being integrally formed as a single unitary body with oneanother or with the two members or the two members and any additionalintermediate member being attached to one another. Such joining may bepermanent in nature or alternatively may be removable or releasable innature. By way of example, ground-engaging motive members 120 may becoupled to support structure 110 by a suspension system such thatsupport structure 100 is supported relative to each ground engagingmotive member. According to an exemplary embodiment, the suspensionsystem is a modular independent suspension system including a coilspring suspension for steerable and non-steerable wheel assemblies anddrive and non-drive axles. According to other exemplary embodiments, thesuspension system may be any other suitable system (e.g., rigid axlesand leaf spring suspension system).

Ground engaging motive members 120 include, for example, wheels (e.g.,cast or machined and including rubber or composite tires, etc.), axleand wheel assemblies, or assemblies including articulated tracks (e.g.,metal, rubber, composite, etc.), and the like which may be used tomaintain support structure 110 above a surface and to allow vehicle 100to move across the surface. Several configurations of ground engagingmotive members 120 are possible (e.g., four, six and eight wheelarrangements, etc.), as commensurate with the type duty that will beexperienced by vehicle 100. For example, in the illustrated embodiment,ground engaging motive members 120 include at least two axle and wheelassemblies coupled to support structure 110. A front axle and wheelassembly 122 is coupled to front end 112 of support structure 110, and arear axle and wheel assembly 124 is coupled to rear end 114 of supportstructure 110. An optional intermediate axle and wheel assembly 126 isshown coupled to rear end 114 of support structure 110, such thatvehicle 100 has a six wheel configuration.

The power source may be mounted to support structure 110 and coupled toat least one of ground-engaging motive members 120 such that it may bedriven by the power source. In other embodiments, the power source maybe coupled to multiple ground engaging members, such as in an all-wheeldrive system. According to an exemplary embodiment, the power source isan internal combustion engine, such as a gasoline or diesel engine.According to other exemplary embodiments, the power source may include aturbine engine, an electric motor, a hybrid-electric system, or thelike.

Vehicle body 140 is coupled to support structure 110 and includes afront end 142, and a rear end 144. A vehicle cab 146, including anoperator station 148, is typically disposed at front end 142 of vehiclebody 140. Any convenient and conventional materials may be utilized toform vehicle body 140, such as steel, aluminum, or a composite material.Vehicle body 140 is configured to at least partially enclose a powersource. Vehicle body 140 is also configured to at least partially houseone or more fluid or chemical tanks (not shown) mounted to supportstructure 212. Exemplary fluid tanks may include a water tank, achemical flame-retardant tank, and the like.

According to an exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 1, aerial boomassembly 150 is shown. Assembly 150 comprises a first member 152pivotally coupled to vehicle 100 by way of mounting assembly 154. Firstmember 152 is coupled to aerial boom attachment 160 which is configuredto couple to piercing nozzle assembly 170. According to variousexemplary embodiments, the first member may be fixed in length oralternatively may be adjustable in length. Further, the first member maycomprise a telescopic configuration for extending and retracting inlength. Furthermore, the first member may comprise one or more jointsfor pivotal movement. According to an exemplary embodiment, the assemblymay comprise any number of members coupled together and/or to otherobjects according to any suitable arrangement. The aerial boom assemblymay be composed of any suitable material having characteristicssufficient for the application. For example, the boom assembly may becomposed of metal or a composite material, or a combination of both.Portions of the boom assembly may be raised and lowered by a pluralityof hydraulic cylinder coupled to the assembly The hydraulic cylindersmay be coupled to suitable and appropriate hydraulic control valves.According to an exemplary embodiment, assembly 150 may be replaced withboom assembly 210 described in conjunction with FIGS. 2-7.

A fluid source can be mounted directly on vehicle 100, such as a fluidtank or chemical tank. The fluid source may also be an independent fluidsource, such as a separate trailer structure, a separate tank vehicle,or a fixed fluid source, such as a lake, river, reservoir, tank, publicor municipal utility source (e.g., a hydrant coupled to a pressurizedfluid source), etc. The independent fluid source may be coupled tovehicle 100 for pumping purposes.

The fluid dispensing arrangement comprises a fluid source and a aerialboom attachment in fluid communication with the fluid source. Fluidcommunication may be made through a hose and reel assembly. The boomattachment will typically have a motion assembly associated with it forcontrolling the motion of the boom attachment in both the horizontal andvertical directions. The motion assembly can be controlled eithermanually or remotely from the vehicle depending on the particularcircumstances in which the vehicle is being utilized. The motionassembly will typically include a motor, gears, and levers that willimpart controlled motion to the nozzle assembly.

Fire-fighting equipment is typically controlled from operators station148 within vehicle cab 146. Fire fighting equipment may include, forexample, a fluid dispensing nozzle, a video camera, a spotlight, apenetrating probe, and the like.

According to an exemplary embodiment shown in FIGS. 2-7, an aerial boomdevice or assembly 210 is shown pivotally coupled to a mobile base 212(e.g., a vehicle, support structure, etc.). Assembly 210 comprises afirst member 214 having a first end 216 and a second end 218. Second end218 is pivotally coupled to a mounting assembly 220 located on mobilebase 212. Assembly 210 further comprises a second member 222 pivotallycoupled to first member 214 at first end 216. Second member 222comprises an extension member 224 movably coupled to second member 222along an inner channel 226 of second member 222. According to anexemplary embodiment, extension member 224 may couple to second member222 according to a telescopic arrangement. For example, extension member222 may be slidable outwardly and inwardly within second member 222.

As shown in FIGS. 2-7, assembly 210 comprises a hydraulic mechanism 230for controlling the movement of first member 214 and second member 222.According to various exemplary embodiments, any suitable hydraulicsystem may be utilized to move the aerial boom assembly. Referring toFIGS. 2-7, hydraulic mechanism 230 comprises a first and second piston232 and 234 which are each coupled to mobile base 212 and to first andsecond links 236 and 238. First and second links 236 and 238 are coupledto first member 214. Hydraulic mechanism 230 further comprises third andfourth pistons 240 and 242 coupled to first member 214 and to third andfourth links 244 and 246. Third and fourth links are coupled to secondmember 222. Hydraulic mechanism 230 further comprises fifth and sixthpistons 248 and 250 coupled to second member 222 and coupled to fifthand sixth links 252 and 254. Fifth and sixth links 252 and 254 arecoupled to extension member 224. By controlling hydraulic mechanism 230,an operator is able to position assembly 210 in a desired location.According to various alternative embodiments, the aerial boom assemblymay have any number of suitable configurations.

According to an exemplary embodiment, corresponding components of theboom assembly are constructed from a composite material. The compositematerial comprises a fiber material suspended in a rigid matrix. Fiberstend to give the composite its strength and stiffness. These fibers canbe in the form of tow (e.g., yarn or string), tape, random fiber mat, orwoven cloth. According to an exemplary embodiment, the fiber materialmay comprise carbon, Kevlar™, polyester, nylon, ceramic, quartz,fiberglass, boron, combinations thereof, etc. According to an exemplaryembodiment, the rigid matrix comprises any number of suitable resins orcombination thereof such as thermoplastic, polyester, vinyl ester,phenolic, epoxy, combinations thereof, etc. According to an exemplaryembodiment, the composite material is a laminated composite whichcomprises sheets of continuous fiber material layered such that eachsheet has the fiber material oriented in a given direction. According toa preferred embodiment, the composite material comprises a carbon fiberbased core and a fiberglass coating.

There are many advantages to using composites for the aerial boomassembly and/or other components. For example, composites arelightweight (e.g., as much as five times lighter than steel). This tendsto reduce energy consumption as well as overall weight, wear, cost, etc.of other components of a system. Some composites are up to three timesstiffer than steel. This helps reduce the deflection and deformation ofthe assembly under stress. The high strength of composite materialstends to help the assembly handle loads without breaking. Further, usingcomposite materials can lead to fewer parts used in the assembly.Composites do not fatigue like steel, nor do they corrode or dent andhave improved impact resistance. Furthermore, composites tend to haveimproved stability over steel under changing temperatures and are moreflexible with respect to design needs (e.g., any aerial boom shape couldbe constructed to meet the particular needs of an application). Thecomposite aerial boom assembly may be produced according to any suitablemethod. For example, the composite can be filament wound (e.g., using amonolithic mandrel), placed by hand, placed by a machine, etc.

As shown in FIGS. 2-7, assembly 210 is coupled to an aerial boomattachment 330 at end 228 of extension member 224. According to anexemplary embodiment, attachment 330 may be pivotally coupled to the endof the extension member for controlled movement of a piercing nozzleassembly. According to various alternative embodiments, the aerial boomassembly may be coupled to any number of attachments/assemblies and mayalso be used without an attachment or assembly. According to anexemplary embodiment, a fluid dispensing mechanism may be coupled to theaerial boom assembly and attachment for dispensing fire retardantmaterial and/or other liquids from the assembly.

FIGS. 8 through 13 provide an exemplary embodiment of aerial boomattachment 330 for coupling to an aerial boom assembly. Aerial boomattachment 330 includes a frame assembly 332, a drive train assembly 340and a piercing nozzle assembly 360.

According to an exemplary embodiment, frame assembly 332 is configuredto couple to an aerial boom assembly. The frame assembly 332 can becoupled to the boom assembly by any convenient and suitable manner, forexample, nuts and bolts, bands or straps, etc. The frame assembly 332 iscomposed of frame members 338 forming a lattice-type framework. Theframe members 338 can be of any suitable geometric cross section, forexample, angle beams, tubes, etc. and composed of any suitable material,such as steel, aluminum, composite material or a combination of suchmaterials. The frame assembly 332 can be fabricated by individual partsconveniently fastened together with, for example, screws, bolts orwelded or adhesives or it can be molded as a single piece. Severalremovable frame sections 336 are coupled to the frame members 338 foradded stability. The removable frame sections 336 can be removed toprovide access to components of the aerial boom attachment 330, such ascouplings, electrical connections and for maintenance work, etc. Thecenter line of the frame assembly 334 is preferably axially aligned withthe boom assembly.

The frame assembly 332 supports the drive train assembly 340 which ismounted on the frame assembly 332. The drive train assembly 340 isaxially aligned with the center line of the frame assembly 334 andparallel to the center line.

The drive train assembly includes a drive wheel 350 mounted on arotational shaft 362. The rotational shaft 362 is coupled to the frameassembly 332 with bearings 366, such as pillow block bearings (see FIG.10). The rotational shaft 362 is mounted on an axis 364 traverse to thecenter line of the frame assembly 334. The rotational shaft 362 can be ahollow tube and can be coupled to the fluid supply or source 314 toroute the fire retardant fluid.

The drive train assembly 334 includes two opposing actuators, a firstactuator 342 and a second actuator 344. The actuators 342, 344 areconfigured so that one actuator moves in one direction and the otheractuator moves in a proportionate opposite direction. The two actuators342, 344, each have a drive pulley 346, are coupled to the drive wheel350 by a flexible linkage 348. The flexible linkage 348 can be, forexample, a cable, a chain, a belt, etc. It can also be multiple membersor a single member. FIGS. 8, 9 and 10 illustrate one exemplaryembodiment of such arrangement.

The actuators 342, 344 can be fluid cylinders, for example, two-wayhydraulic cylinders. As illustrated in FIGS. 9 and 10, when one cylinderretracts, the other cylinder extends by the same amount. Such movementexerts a force on the flexible linkage 348, which in turn moves thedrive wheel 350. The actuators are arranged to allow the bore side ofeach actuator to be utilized. By using the bore side of the actuator, ahigher retaining force can be achieved while keeping the cylinder sizeto a minimum. Control of the actuators 342, 344 is maintained from thecab of the vehicle.

The drive train assembly 340 can include an overload relief apparatus352 integrated in each actuator 342, 344. The overload relief apparatus352 can be, for example, a relief valve in the cylinder configured todump the cylinder fluid to tank if a force on the cylinder exceeds apredetermined level. The overload relief apparatus 352 also functions tolimit a vertical force on the piercing nozzle assembly 360 as will beexplained below.

The piercing nozzle assembly 360 is coupled to the drive train assembly340. A manifold 368 is mounted on the drive wheel 350. The piercingnozzle assembly 360 is configured for motion in one of the vertical andhorizontal plane. In the vertical plane, the motion is provided byrotation of the drive wheel 350 and in the horizontal plane, the motionis provided by movement of the aerial boom assembly. A piercing tube 370is mounted to the manifold. The piercing tube is hollow and is in fluidcommunication with the fluid supply 314 through the manifold 368. Apiercing nozzle 372 is mounted at the distal end of the piercing tube370. The piercing nozzle defines a plurality of orifices which allow thefire retardant fluid to pass through. A piercing tip 376 is mounted atthe distal end of the piercing nozzle 372 and is configured to allow thetip to penetrate a structure to minimize or prevent the tip fromslipping off at a low pierce angle. The piercing nozzle assembly 360 canoperate within a predetermined range of positions relative to the centerline of the frame assembly 334 and is configured to penetrate astructure even if the piercing nozzle assembly 360 is not in axialalignment with the center line of the frame assembly 334.

As discussed above, the drive train assembly 340 with the opposingactuators 342, 344 and the overload relief apparatus 352 integral withthe drive train assembly allow the penetrating nozzle assembly tooperate at angles other than 90 degrees to the structure to bepenetrated. Once the piercing tip 376 is positioned, as the aerial boomassembly pushes the piercing tube 370 into the structure, the opposingactuators 342, 344 operate to lock the piercing tip 376 into position.The overload relief apparatus 352 relief valves are calibrated to allowa piercing tip movement until just before the piercing tip fails asdetermined by the manufacturer of the aerial boom attachment 330.

Another embodiment of the aerial boom attachment 330 includes anelectronic control system 390 (see FIG. 9) coupled to the drive trainassembly 340 on the piercing nozzle assembly 360. The electronic controlsystem 390 is coupled to a first position sensor 392 associated with thedrive train assembly 340 and a second position sensor 394 associatedwith the piercing nozzle assembly 360. The position sensors 392, 394generate a signal corresponding to the relative positions of the drivetrain assembly 340 and the piercing nozzle assembly 360 indexed to theboom position. The sensors can be linear encoders or similar devicesmounted in the actuators 342, 344 which allow constant position sensing.In the event that the vertical force exerted on the piercing nozzleassembly exceeds the limits set on the overload relief apparatus 352 theoverload relief apparatus will allow the actuator to move as the boomcontinues to exert a force. The movement of the actuator in turn movesthe driver wheel 350 thereby moving the piercing tube 370 to preventdamage. The position sensors 392, 394 allow the operator to know theposition of the piercing tube 370 and reset the piercing nozzle assembly360 from within the cab by manipulating the actuators 342, 344 to againproperly align the piercing tube 370 for penetration of a structure.

Another embodiment of the aerial boom attachment includes a turretnozzle 380 which is mounted on the frame assembly 332 and is in fluidcommunication with the fluid supply 314. The turret nozzle 380 isconfigured to rotate 90 degrees to either side of the center line of theframe assembly 334 and 90 degrees in a vertical plane. The turret nozzle380 can also be configured to rotate 20 degrees above the center line ofthe frame assembly 334 and 70 degrees below the center line of the frameassembly 334. The turret nozzle 380 has an independent drive mechanismfor moving the turret nozzle as directed by an operator and is providedwith position sensors which generate a signal informing the operator asto the orientation of the turret nozzle.

The piercing nozzle assembly is capable of rotating 360 degrees in thevertical plane, 180 degrees above the plane of the boom assembly and 180degrees below the plane of the boom assembly. The piercing nozzleassembly 360 and the turret nozzle 380 can be coupled independently tothe fluid supply 314 or they can be coupled through a common conduitthrough a diverting valve to direct the flowable fire retardant toeither the turret nozzle 380 or the piercing nozzle assembly 360.

The piercing tube 370, piercing nozzle 372 and piercing tip 376 can beinterchangeable to accommodate various dimensions as determined by anoperator. The overload relief (e.g., protection) apparatus 352 can beadjusted to accommodate the various dimensions of the interchangeablepiercing tube, piercing nozzle 372 and piercing tip 376 due to itsdimension and material characteristics and to set a maximum allowableforce traverse to the axis of the piercing tube without failure of thepiercing tube. It should be understood that the drive train assembly 340moves the piercing nozzle assembly as determined by an operator,however, that the force exerted on the piercing nozzle assembly 360, andparticularly the piercing tube 370 through the piercing tip 376 willalso move the actuators 342, 344 as the aerial boom assembly pushes thepiercing nozzle tip 376 into the structure. The position sensors 392,394 associated with the actuators 342, 344 provide a signal to theelectronic control system 390 thereby allowing the operator to monitorthe position of the piercing apparatus and maintain its calibration andindex relative to the boom position. Since different piercing tipassemblies are available and interchangeable, the maximum angles atwhich the piercing tip can penetrate a structure without failure willvary between individual tip designs. Adjusting for such characteristicscan be affected through changes in the overload relief apparatus 352 andthe type of actuators 342, 344 utilized in the drive train assembly 340.

Piercing nozzle assembly 360 is coupled to end 228 of boom assembly 210and typically includes an aerial boom attachment 330, a piercing nozzle372 coupled to aerial boom attachment 330, and a piercing tube 370coupled to piercing nozzle 372. The aerial boom attachment 330 isconfigured to control the motion of piercing nozzle assembly 360 in boththe horizontal and vertical directions. Aerial boom attachment 330 canbe controlled either manually or remotely from the vehicle (e.g., usingan operator station) depending on the particular circumstances in whichthe vehicle is being utilized. Piercing nozzle 372 is typically coupledto a fluid source 314 and is shaped as a frustum with a hollow passagetherein and includes a plurality of openings configured to dispense apressurized fluid or other material from the fluid source. Theinterchangeable piercing tool 374 is generally configured to penetrate astructure so that piercing nozzle assembly 60 may dispense thepressurized fluid or other material inside the structures.

The fluid source 314 can be mounted directly on the vehicle, such as afluid tank or chemical tank. The fluid source may also be an independentfluid source, such as a separate trailer structure, a separate tankvehicle, or a fixed fluid source, such as a lake, river, reservoir,tank, public or municipal utility source (e.g., a hydrant coupled to apressurized fluid source), etc. The independent fluid source may becoupled to the vehicle for pumping purposes.

FIGS. 12 and 13 illustrate an exemplary embodiment of a piercing tool470 (e.g., piercing nozzle assembly, piercing device, etc.). Piercingtool 470 includes a member 472 having an end 474 and an end 476.Piercing tool 470 is generally configured to penetrate a wall of astructure, such as a building or an airplane fuselage, so that aflame-retardant fluid or material may be dispensed within the structureby a piercing nozzle assembly during fire-fighting and rescueoperations. More specifically, piercing tool 470 is configured topenetrate a structure such as a building or an airplane fuselage from anumber of different angles without requiring a significantly high degreeof perpendicular alignment with the surface of the structure.

End 474 includes a cutting edge 478 formed by the intersection of afirst surface 480 and a second surface 482 and configured to facilitatethe penetration of a structure from a number of different angles withoutrequiring a significantly high degree of perpendicular alignment withthe surface of the structure. Cutting edge 478 may have a variety ofdifferent configurations depending upon the shape of the intersection ofthe first surface 480 and the second surface 482. For example, in theillustrated embodiment, the intersection of the first surface 480 andthe second surface 482 is circular in shape, which provides an annularcutting edge 478. According to other embodiments, cutting edge 478 isconfigured as other shapes, such as other elliptical shapes, ovularshapes, many-sided shapes, etc. Cutting edge 478 may have also varietyof different configurations depending upon the orientation of theintersection of the first surface 480 and the second surface 482. Forexample, in the illustrated embodiment, surface 480 and surface 482intersect in a plane 486 according to an angle θ such that plane 486 issubstantially perpendicular to a longitudinal axis 488 of member 472.According to other exemplary embodiments, different angles and planes ofintersection are used to define cutting edge 478.

First surface 480 is a tapered outer surface of member 472, with thesurface tapering toward end 474 such that end 474 is narrower in widthor diameter than end 476. Surface 480 may be a number of differentshapes. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, Surface 480 has theshape of an elliptical frustum having a circular cross section. Otherexemplary shapes of surface 480 include frustums or other taperedextrusions having ovular, egg-shaped, or many-sided cross sections, etc.

Second surface 482 defines a cavity 484 within member 472. Secondsurface 482 and cavity 484 may be a number of different shapes. Forexample, in the illustrated embodiment, surface 482 is a concave surfacesuch that cavity 484 is shaped as a section of a sphere. Other exemplaryconfigurations of surface 482 and cavity 484 include frustums, conics,cylinders, etc.

End 476 is configured to facilitate the coupling of piercing tool 470 topiercing nozzle assembly 360 shown in FIGS. 8 and 11. Any common meansof attachment, such as welding, brazing, interlocking configurations,etc., may by used to couple piercing tool 470 to piercing nozzleassembly 360. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, end 476includes screw-type mating threads 490 for removably coupling piercingtool 470 to piercing nozzle assembly 360 so that piercing tool 470 maybe replaced if, for example, it breaks or becomes dull.

Piercing tool 470 may be formed from various different materials.According to an exemplary embodiment, piercing tool 470 is formed from adurable rigid material. For example, piercing tool 470 may be made frommetal, alloys, steel, composites, etc. In addition, according to variousother embodiments, piercing tool 470 is optionally coated or plated witha material such as chrome, or heat treated or plated with a hardenedcoating such as tungsten carbide.

Piercing tool 470 may have varying overall size and dimensions based on,for example, the particular piercing application, the thickness andmaterial of the structure to be pierced, the strength of the componentsto which piercing tool 470 is attached, etc. For example, according toan exemplary embodiment, piercing device 470 is configured to penetratean aluminum aircraft fuselage and has a length 492 of approximately fourinches, a width or diameter 494 of end 474 of approximately threequarters of an inch, a width or diameter 496 of end 476 of approximatelyone quarter of an inch, and a depth 498 of cavity 484 of approximatelyone eighth of an inch. According to other exemplary embodiments, thesedimensions are varied as applicable.

It is also contemplated that additional tools and apparatus can bemounted on the aerial boom attachment that is appropriate for a givenapplication such as for instance, a video camera, for example, aninfrared video camera, a spot or search light, a hose and reel assembly,hydraulic actuated jaws for manipulating metal or such other appropriatetool for use with an aerial boom attachment. Additional modificationswill be evident to those with ordinary skill in the art.

It is important to note that the above-described embodiments areillustrative only. Although the invention has been described inconjunction with specific embodiments thereof, those skilled in the artwill appreciate that numerous modifications are possible withoutmaterially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of thesubject matter described herein. For example, different types of devicesand assemblies may be used in addition to or instead of the thosedescribed herein. Accordingly, these and all other such modificationsare intended to be included within the scope of the present invention asdefined in the appended claims. The order or sequence of any process ormethod steps may be varied or re-sequenced according to alternativeembodiments. In the claims, any means-plus-function clause is intendedto cover the structures described herein as performing the recitedfunction and not only structural equivalents but also equivalentstructures. Other substitutions, modifications, changes and omissionsmay be made in the design, operating conditions and arrangements of thepreferred and other exemplary embodiments without departing from thespirit of the present invention.

1. An aerial boom assembly comprising: a first member having a fixedlength and comprising first and second ends, the second end beingpivotally coupled to a mobile base; a second member pivotally coupled tothe first member at the first end, the second member comprising anextension member slidably coupled to the second member along an innerchannel of the second member; wherein the first and second members aremade from a composite material.
 2. The assembly of claim 1, wherein thecomposite material comprises a fiber material suspended in a rigidmatrix.
 3. The assembly of claim 2, wherein the rigid matrix of thecomposite material comprises resin.
 4. The assembly of claim 3, whereinthe resin comprises at least one of a thermoplastic, polyester, vinylester, phenolic, epoxy, or combinations thereof.
 5. The assembly ofclaim 4, wherein the fiber material of the composite material comprisesat least one of carbon, Kevlar™, polyester, nylon, ceramic, quartz,fiberglass, boron, or combinations thereof.
 6. The assembly of claim 5,wherein the composite material is a laminated composite.
 7. The assemblyof claim 6, wherein the laminated composite comprises sheets ofcontinuous fiber material layered such that each sheet has the fibermaterial oriented in a given direction.
 8. The assembly of claim 1,wherein the mobile base comprises at least one of a fire fightingvehicle, a rescue vehicle, a crash vehicle, and a work vehicle.
 9. Theassembly of claim 8, further comprising a hollow piercing mechanismcoupled to the extension member.
 10. The assembly of claim 9, whereinthe second member comprises a telescoping arrangement for slidablycoupling the extension member to the second member.
 11. The assembly ofclaim 10, further comprising a hydraulic mechanism for pivoting thefirst and second members and sliding the extension member.
 12. Theassembly of claim 11, wherein the hydraulic mechanism comprises firstand second pistons coupled to the mobile base and coupled to first andsecond links, the first and second links being coupled to the firstmember.
 13. The assembly of claim 12, wherein the hydraulic mechanismfurther comprises third and fourth pistons coupled to the first memberand coupled to third and fourth links, the third and fourth links beingcoupled to the second member.
 14. The assembly of claim 13, wherein thehydraulic mechanism further comprises fifth and sixth pistons coupled tothe second member and coupled to fifth and sixth links, the fifth andsixth links being coupled to the extension member.
 15. The assembly ofclaim 14, further comprising a fluid dispensing mechanism.
 16. Theassembly of claim 1, wherein the composite material comprises a carbonfiber based core and a fiberglass coating.
 17. A vehicle forfirefighting and rescue operations, comprising: a support structurehaving a support surface; a plurality of wheels coupled to the supportstructure, wherein the wheels maintain the support structure above asurface; a power source for powering the vehicle; and an aerial boomassembly coupled to the support surface, the aerial boom assembly beingmade from a composite material.
 18. The vehicle of claim 16, furthercomprising a hollow piercing mechanism coupled to the aerial boomassembly.
 19. The vehicle of claim 17, wherein the aerial boom assemblycomprises first and second members pivotally coupled together.
 20. Thevehicle of claim 18, wherein the first member of the aerial boom has afixed length and comprises first and second ends, the second end beingpivotally coupled to the support surface.
 21. The vehicle of claim 19,wherein the second member comprises an extension member coupled to thesecond member by way of a telescopic arrangement.
 22. The vehicle ofclaim 20, wherein the telescopic arrangement comprises slidably couplingthe extension member to the second member so that the extension memberis able to move within an inner portion of the second member.
 23. Thevehicle of claim 21, wherein the composite material comprises a fibermaterial suspended in resin.
 24. The vehicle of claim 22, wherein theresin comprises at least one of a thermoplastic, polyester, vinyl ester,phenolic, epoxy, or combinations thereof.
 25. The vehicle of claim 23,wherein the fiber material of the composite material comprises at leastone of carbon, Kevlar™, polyester, nylon, ceramic, quartz, fiberglass,boron, or combinations thereof.
 26. The vehicle of claim 24, furthercomprising a hydraulic mechanism for moving the aerial boom assembly.27. A method for producing an aerial boom assembly, comprising:providing a first member having a fixed length and comprising first andsecond ends, the second end being pivotally coupled to a vehicle;providing a second member pivotally coupled to the first member at thefirst end, wherein the second member comprises an extension membercoupled to the second member by way of a telescopic arrangement; andproducing the first and second members from a composite material. 28.The method of claim 26, further comprising utilizing a fiber materialsuspended in a resin to produce the composite material.
 29. The methodof claim 27, further comprising producing the resin from at least one ofa thermoplastic, polyester, vinyl ester, phenolic, epoxy, orcombinations thereof.
 30. The method of claim 28, further comprisingproducing the fiber material from at least one of carbon, Kevlar™,polyester, nylon, ceramic, quartz, fiberglass, boron, or combinationsthereof.
 31. The method of claim 29, wherein the vehicle is at least oneof a firefighting vehicle, a rescue vehicle, a crash vehicle, and a workvehicle.
 32. The method of claim 30, further comprising providing ahollow piercing mechanism coupled to the extension member.
 33. Themethod of claim 31, further comprising configuring the telescopicarrangement so that the extension member is slidably coupled to theextension member and the extension member is able to move within aninner portion of the second member.
 34. The method of claim 32, furthercomprising providing a hydraulic mechanism for moving the aerial boomassembly.